"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17).

The text above was written primarily in respect to religious leaders in the churches, but the same exhortation could be applied to political leaders, with the responsibility of governing their respective nations. In the case of our own country, it would surely apply to our presidents, all of whom have professed belief in God and many of whom have been Bible-believing Christians.

Regardless of the government system under which they have come to hold this office, we must remember that "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God" (Romans 13:1-2). Therefore, said Paul to church leaders regarding their members: "Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work" (Titus 3:1).

And Peter said: "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

. . . . Fear God. Honour the king" (I Peter 2:13-15,17).

Both Peter and Paul always taught that we should "honour the king," even though both were eventually put to death by him. It is surely appropriate for us today to honour our presidents, especially on this special day. Of course, we must always "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), when such conflicts arise. Remember that they also "must give account" to God some day as they "watch for your souls." HMM